New enquiries from West Bengal, especially Kolkata, and improved local buying lifted sugar prices on Monday.

Prices shot up by Rs 10-20 a quintal on the Vashi wholesale market. Mill tender rates improved by Rs 15-20. Naka rates increased by Rs 10-40. Mr Harakhchand Vora of Kavita Trading Co toldBusiness Line: “Fresh purchase inquiry from Kolkata–West Bengal side and improved buying by local stockists in the beginning of the month on higher retail demand lifted up the overall sentiment. Upper level mills were not very keen to sell at lower rates as they expect summer to result in higher demand.”

“ . In the Vashi market, arrivals were 54-55 truckloads and local dispatches were 52–53 truckloads.

The Bombay Sugar Merchants Association's spot rates were (Rs/quintal): S-grade Rs 2,922-2,982 (Rs 2,912-2,982) and M-grade Rs 3,002-3,151 (Rs 3,012-3,151).

Naka delivery rates: S-grade Rs 2,920 -2,940 (Rs 2,880-2,920) and M-grade Rs 2,980-3,050 (Rs 2,970-3,050).